Thomas Partey insists he feels "OK" and is "ready to play" for Ghana against England despite missing his country's opening World Cup match and facing ongoing criminal proceedings in England.The midfielder spoke to reporters at Ghana's training base in New England on Monday ahead of Tuesday night's Group L clash, having sat out the Black Stars' 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.Partey was unable to travel to Canada after his visa application was refused.Details relating to criminal charges he faces in England were reportedly not included on the application.TRENDINGStoriesVideosYour SayThe former Arsenal midfielder was not asked about the allegations, which he denies, during Monday's press conference. But he was questioned about his state of mind after being unavailable for Ghana's tournament opener."I think for me now it's part of football," Partey said."Things happen outside football that you cannot control but for me now I feel OK and I am ready to play."Partey also looked ahead to the prospect of taking on England and facing several players he spent years alongside during his spell in north London.Asked whether he was excited to come up against former Arsenal team-mates Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, Partey said: "I'm really happy to see them again."I hope they are going to bring their best and try to give ourselves also the opportunity to play against the best and try to compete and enjoy the game."The Ghana vice-captain did not respond when asked whether he had remained in contact with the England pair since leaving Arsenal.Partey was also asked about the challenge of going head-to-head with Rice in midfield.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Roy Keane hits out at England players after Thomas Tuchel comments at World CupWorld Cup match in danger of being called off amid 'severe' problemAaron Ramsey poised to land first managerial job with EFL clubThomas Partey: Things happen in football you can't control. But I'm okay now and ready to play.Locked in for the #FIFAWorldCup #BlackStars Cc:@Iamamanoa pic.twitter.com/2eNjnQtdKm Anas Entertainment news (@anas_news1) June 22, 2026 "I know it's not going to be easy," he said."(They have) very good players and I am happy to play against them."His appeal against the decision preventing him from entering Canada was rejected shortly before Ghana's opening fixture, meaning he was forced to watch from afar as his team edged past Panama.It remains unclear whether England's players will exchange handshakes with Partey before kick-off as part of FIFA's customary pre-match protocol.The Football Association is have reportedly taken the view that any decision regarding such gestures would be a personal matter for individual players.Partey has denied seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.Proceedings are ongoing and a provisional trial date has been listed at Southwark Crown Court for June next year.The midfielder was first arrested in July 2022 and continued playing for Arsenal until his contract expired at the end of the 2024-25 season.He was charged after leaving the club and subsequently joined Spanish side Villarreal.Partey remains eligible for selection for Ghana while the legal proceedings continue and could return to Otto Addo's starting line-up as the Black Stars seek a positive result against England in their second match of the tournament.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter